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Imago

The Los Angeles Lakers have to do something that’s never been done before. They are down 3-0 in the second round. And the team to beat in achieving historic status is OKC, which remains the only unbeaten team in the playoffs so far. The first three games carried the same story. The Thunder pulled through in the second half, using their depth and tenacity to blow the Purple and Gold.

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There was always one asterisk in this series: the possible return of Luka Doncic. The Slovenian has been dealing with a Grade 2 hamstring strain for the past six weeks. Initially, there was an eight-week timeline. But Doncic’s travels to Spain predictably reshuffled that. Has it done enough for him to be ready now?

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Is Luka Doncic playing tonight in Game 4? Latest injury update on the Lakers

Luka Doncic has yet to play a single minute of playoff basketball due to his hamstring ailment. Some reports did suggest that the former Mavericks talisman is recovering well. Doncic has returned to the court to perform light drills. However, JJ Redick and the Lakers are still treating his injury as “week-to-week”.

Under that understanding, the Lakers have listed Doncic as out for Game 5 against OKC. According to ESPN, though, there’s a high chance the six-time All-Star returns in time for Game 5, which is May 13. Hence, if the Lakers can avoid a sweep and extend the series against the Thunder, Doncic may play.

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The Lakers guard led the league in scoring, averaging 33.5 points and 8.3 assists per game.

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Los Angeles Lakers injury report for Game 4

The Lakers don’t have any other injuries aside from Luka Doncic. That remains the only obstacle keeping the team from realizing its full potential. Austin Reaves is back to playing normal minutes, but has yet to generate any rhythm. Jarred Vanderbilt is also available after suffering a gruesome finger injury in Game 2.

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Oklahoma City Thunder injury report for Game 4

The Thunder doesn’t have any new absences to report. They’ve played the entire series without secondary star Jalen Williams. He’s also suffering from a hamstring strain since the first-round series against the Phoenix Suns. He remains out. Reserve center Thomas Sarber suffered a torn ACL and will likely miss the entire postseason.

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Los Angeles Lakers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Game 4: Odds

Since Luka Doncic is still expected to be on the sidelines, the nature of the odds hasn’t changed much. The Thunder are the outright favorites at -525 on the moneyline. ESPN gives the Thunder a 68.6% chance to complete a second sweep. On the other hand, oddsmakers aren’t showing any hope for a Lakers comeback. Their moneyline (+390) suggests the Purple and Gold have tried everything and failed thrice to beat the Thunder. Nothing different is expected.

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Los Angeles Lakers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Game 4: Where to watch

Date: Monday, May 11, 2026
Location: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California
Time: 10:30 P.M. E.T.
TV: Prime Video
Streaming: Prime Video

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Written by

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Anuj Talwalkar

4,691 Articles

Anuj Talwalkar is a senior NBA Newsbreak specialist at EssentiallySports, trusted for his real-time coverage and fast, accurate updates on league developments. With five NBA seasons and two Olympics coverages under his belt, Anuj stands out as the go-to reporter for the NBA Matchday Newsdesk. As part of the EssentiallySports Journalistic Excellence Program, he continuously refines his hard reporting with grounded storytelling shaped by fan culture and court-level insights. An economics graduate and lifelong OKC fan since the Supersonics era, Anuj combines analytical thinking and a genuine passion for basketball. He’s recognized for both his live news coverage and feature writing, with aspirations to someday interview Russell Westbrook. Anuj’s reporting is marked by its reliability, depth, and strong connection to the pulse of the NBA.

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Daniel D'Cruz

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